Queen receives new apostolic nuncio

Archbishop Adams has previously served as an ambassador to Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, the Philippines and, most recently, Greece

The Queen received the new Apostolic Nuncio on Thursday as he begins his tenure in Britain.

The Vatican appointed Archbishop Joseph Adams Nuncio to the United Kingdom this past April. During his recent visit with The Queen, Archbishop Adams received the Letters of Recall from his predecessor as well as his Letters of Credence.

Archbishop Adams will keep the Vatican informed about Brexit developments and appoint new bishops in dioceses with vacant positions as nuncio.

Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Archbishop Adams was ordained a priest in 1970.

Then, in 1976, he began a career as a papal diplomat, following advanced studies in Rome. He served as an ambassador to Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, the Philippines and, most recently, Greece.

Archbishop Adams replaces Archbishop Antonio Mennini who was appointed Secretariat of State in Rome.

The position of Nuncio to the United Kingdom may be Archbishop Adams’ – aged 72 – last since the retirement age for bishops is 75.

Archbishop Philip Tartaglia, president of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, warmly received Archbishop Adams’ appointment in April.

“On behalf of the bishops’ conference and of the whole Catholic community of Scotland,” Archbishop Tartaglia said, “I welcome the appointment of the new Apostolic Nuncio and offer him our prayerful good wishes for his important service as nuncio.”